John Campbell in elite company after slamming maiden Test hundred as West Indies fight back against India in Delhi

John Campbell brought up his maiden century on Monday as the West Indian batters continued to defy the Indian attack on Day 4 of the second Test in Delhi. Campbell, who had collected just 32 runs in three previous outings in the ongoing series, was batting on 87 overnight after forging a solid third-wicket partnership with senior keeper-batter Shai Hope, and brought up the three-figure mark for the first time in Test cricket shortly before drinks in the morning session.

And it wasn’t a single or a brace but a six with which Campbell brought up his maiden Test hundred≤ slog-sweeping Ravindra Jadeja towards wide long on in the 58th over. The southpaw reached the three-figure mark for the first time in his Test career in 48 innings, placing him at second in the list of openers taking most innings to reach the milestone.

Campbell scores first Test century by West Indian in India since 2002

The 32-year-old also became the first West Indian opener to score a Test century in more than two years, with former captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul having last achieved the feat against Zimbabwe in February 2023. Campbell also happens to be the first West Indian to score a Test hundred against India since 2006, as well the first to achieve the feat on Indian soil since 2002.

The left-handed opener, however, did not last long after bringing up his century, getting trapped LBW by Jadeja while attempting a reverse sweep, departing for 115 off 199 deliveries as the senior left-arm spinner finally broke the mammoth third-wicket stand that was ultimately worth 177.

Hope was batting on 75 at the time of Campbell’s dismissal and he will be setting his sights on bringing up his third Test century later in the day. West Indies, meanwhile, have plenty of wickets in hand and are inching towards the 270-run first innings deficit that had led to India captain Shubman Gill enforcing the follow-on on them.

West Indies trail the two-match series 0-1 after their innings and 140-run defeat in Ahmedabad. However, thanks to their superb fightback in the national capital over the last couple of days, the Roston Chase-led visitors will be backing themselves to set a competitive target for the hosts, and possibly pull off an upset for the ages.